Vikings vs. Ravens Preview: J.J. McCarthy gets the start, while multiple roster spots are up for grabs
The preseason game right after joint practices is usually the one with the least amount of players on the field.
The Minnesota Vikings head into their second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens after having two great joint practices over the last two days.
The Vikings won all eight situational football periods where they ran the 2-minute drill, and found ways to attack both Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. With nearly every starter on both sides sitting out after those joint sessions, the preseason matchup becomes a critical evaluation tool for the back end of the roster. Here’s what I will be watching.
JJ McCarthy gets the start
J.J. McCarthy will start the preseason game after losing the starting job to quarterback Kyler Murray just over a week ago. McCarthy has had some up-and-down practices, but he has been praised internally for his attitude and approach. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Thursday that McCarthy will get the nod.
The big question is how long he plays. Will McCarthy get a half of football or longer? That could go a long way in determining where he stands in his development. It could also serve as a showcase for other teams if the Vikings were to consider trading him. Even though McCarthy has said he doesn’t want to be traded, new general manager Nolan Teasley may not be as attached to a quarterback he didn’t draft. You never know what could end up coming your way. No matter what, watching McCarthy get a long rope with the second-team offense should be revealing.
Sorting out wide receiver depth
Without the top three wide receivers or Jauan Jennings likely playing, this game becomes a fascinating opportunity for the rest of the room to sort itself out. Over the course of training camp, Myles Price and Taiy Felton have separated themselves from the pack, establishing themselves as wide receivers four and five heading into the regular season.
That said, things can change quickly with this much talent in the room. Dillon Bell came into camp with a lot of hype, but it hasn’t resonated the way many expected. Dontae Fleming and Jeshaun Jones have both shown out in practices, but neither has been able to translate that to the preseason games yet. This could be the opportunity for them to take a big step and prove their worth.
How much does Elijah Williams play?
If you’ve been paying attention to my coverage for any length of time, you know how much I’ve liked Elijah Williams and what I think he could be in the NFL. Last year, he earned a contract after rookie minicamp, then dominated three preseason games to earn a spot on the active roster, where he stayed the entire season. Now that he has a full year with the Vikings under his belt, the defensive lineman was really good in joint practices against Baltimore.
Williams played a lot in the second half against the New York Giants in the preseason opener, and he continues to shine. The weight he put on is good weight, and it isn’t hindering his athleticism at all. With the Vikings releasing Eric Johnson earlier in the week, Williams could see extended action. I still believe Williams could end up being a starter going into the regular season.
Linebacker depth is the deepest position group
When you look at the Vikings roster, a few positions stand out in terms of depth. Cornerback goes four deep, running back is intriguing, and wide receiver has a lot of bodies. Linebacker may be the deepest of them all.
Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson, and second-round pick Jake Golday are all solidified to be on the roster for Week 1. After those three, the competition gets fascinating. Will it end up being Ivan Pace Jr., who is due $3.52 million this year, or one of the depth players who have stood out throughout camp? Jacob Roberts made an interception against the Giants, and Bengally Kamara has continued to put himself in great positions while staying consistent throughout the play. If Kamara has a strong preseason game, will they give him opportunities to work with the ones in practice? That could speak volumes about his chances at the final 53-man roster. Roberts, who came from the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders, showed good gap discipline alongside that interception. Josh Ross has also been a nice addition after spending last year on the practice squad, making this group a strength on the team.
Safety is the most fascinating position battle
The Vikings still don’t know how the safety room is going to shape up. Josh Metellus likely won’t play, but you may see the entire rest of the room get work, and for good reason.
The original unofficial depth chart had Jay Ward as a starter, but Theo Jackson got the start against the Giants. Jacob Thomas has been thriving in the preseason and training camp, taking advantage of every opportunity afforded to him. Thomas has even gotten reps with the first-team defense and is showing he belongs. Whether he can sustain that over the next few weeks could determine if he makes the final 53-man roster.
Then there’s the Jackson question. Will he stay with this team, or will the Vikings move on from him? How long Jackson plays in this game, if he does at all after getting injured during Thursday’s practice, could tell us exactly what the coaching staff thinks about him going forward.
